GDT: Trade and Free Agency Thread - Training camp approaches

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Some UFAs still waiting for new homes.

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[Duffman955]

Yo where is the depth on Defense?

Come on Dubie

 

[saffronleaf]

Marner for Eichel please

 

[Magic Man]

Yo where is the depth on Defense?

Come on Dubie

Looks like they have 7 defenseman for the Leafs and 8 for the Marlies.

Leafs
Rielly - Brodie
Muzzin - Holl
Sandin - Liljegren
ex. Dermott

Marlies
Dahlstrom - Menell
Kivihalme - Hollowell
Rubins - Biega
ex. Kral - Duszak

All 3 of the bottom 3 NHL defenseman are cheap and can out play their role. There is about 5 defenseman on the Marlies that could see NHL minutes. The idea behind it and it has been echoed by Dubas is that they're going to try not to block Sandin and Liljegren from the NHL this season and he has followed through on that statement thus far. Sandin is in his 4th season post draft and Liljegren his 5th. If they actually need a Ben Hutton type player over Liljegren, they can simply send down Liljegren without risk of waivers and gain his cap space and parlay a late round pick into a similar player at or in advance of the deadline. That way they're not blocking their youth, but first giving them the roster room to play and earn a spot before bringing someone in from the bargain bin.

Biega has actually only seen 4 AHL games in 5 years and has been a primary NHL'er for 6 consecutive seasons. He's been an NHL defenseman and is now taking a step back in Toronto. He'd make a fine #8 and is in the mold many here desire a gritty, defensive minded depth player.

Menell has never really been given a serious look, but if he did get that chance his production indicates that he may have the potential to be able to slide his way into the NHL permanently.

Dahlstrom is essentially another Martin Marincin, but younger and with less NHL experience.

I could see another good veteran AHL contract come in to be a buffer between Kral - Duszak and the young Solar Bear defenders on AHL deals. Maybe, closer to the season when more players are willing to give up on NHL contracts.

The only thing that could throw a wrench into the defense at this point imo is a Rielly move. There hasn't been a resolution there. If he moves, a defenseman will be coming in from somewhere.

 

[Antropovsky]

Marner for Eichel please

If Eichels health was a guarantee than the deal is a no brainer in my opinion. Would be impressed if Dubas had the bravery to make such a move. Could to down as the worst trade in history (if eichel never regains form due to injury) or a very good deal where the team has a 1-2 punch at center like 2005 Penguins.

 

[Fogelhund]

Marner for Eichel please

Marner + Reilly + pick for Dahlin + Eichel... yes please.

 

[Duffman955]

Looks like they have 7 defenseman for the Leafs and 8 for the Marlies.

Leafs
Rielly - Brodie
Muzzin - Holl
Sandin - Liljegren
ex. Dermott

Marlies
Dahlstrom - Menell
Kivihalme - Hollowell
Rubins - Biega
ex. Kral - Duszak

All 3 of the bottom 3 NHL defenseman are cheap and can out play their role. There is about 5 defenseman on the Marlies that could see NHL minutes. The idea behind it and it has been echoed by Dubas is that they're going to try not to block Sandin and Liljegren from the NHL this season and he has followed through on that statement thus far. Sandin is in his 4th season post draft and Liljegren his 5th. If they actually need a Ben Hutton type player over Liljegren, they can simply send down Liljegren without risk of waivers and gain his cap space and parlay a late round pick into a similar player at or in advance of the deadline. That way they're not blocking their youth, but first giving them the roster room to play and earn a spot before bringing someone in from the bargain bin.

Biega has actually only seen 4 AHL games in 5 years and has been a primary NHL'er for 6 consecutive seasons. He's been an NHL defenseman and is now taking a step back in Toronto. He'd make a fine #8 and is in the mold many here desire a gritty, defensive minded depth player.

Menell has never really been given a serious look, but if he did get that chance his production indicates that he may have the potential to be able to slide his way into the NHL permanently.

Dahlstrom is essentially another Martin Marincin, but younger and with less NHL experience.

I could see another good veteran AHL contract come in to be a buffer between Kral - Duszak and the young Solar Bear defenders on AHL deals. Maybe, closer to the season when more players are willing to give up on NHL contracts.

The only thing that could throw a wrench into the defense at this point imo is a Rielly move. There hasn't been a resolution there. If he moves, a defenseman will be coming in from somewhere.

Sandin and Liljegren are 2 rookies.

If you're going to rely on them, you're set up for failure. If they surprise and steal a spot, then good, but I wouldn't just hand them minutes.

Sandin was a train wreck in his own zone, and his skating is awful

 

[TheGreatOne11]

If Eichels health was a guarantee than the deal is a no brainer in my opinion. Would be impressed if Dubas had the bravery to make such a move. Could to down as the worst trade in history (if eichel never regains form due to injury) or a very good deal where the team has a 1-2 punch at center like 2005 Penguins.

Does Tavares not count as the 2 of a one two punch down the middle? He'd be the #1 on a few teams and the #2 on most.

 

[Duffman955]

Does Tavares not count as the 2 of a one two punch down the middle? He'd be the #1 on a few teams and the #2 on most.

Well he would be #1C on 3/4 conference finalists this year

 

[Fogelhund]

Sandin and Liljegren are 2 rookies.

If you're going to rely on them, you're set up for failure. If they surprise and steal a spot, then good, but I wouldn't just hand them minutes.

Sandin was a train wreck in his own zone, and his skating is awful

When you are scared of playing your prospects, you will never find out what you have. They haven't just handed them minutes. They've developed them for years, and the trial has been earned. It's time.

In all probability, they will platoon, playing with Dermott, unless they steal Dermott's job.

Give them time, be patient... games at the start of the season are perfect for that, and it isn't hard to find depth d mid season.

 

[mydnyte]

Sandin and Liljegren are 2 rookies.

If you're going to rely on them, you're set up for failure. If they surprise and steal a spot, then good, but I wouldn't just hand them minutes.

Sandin was a train wreck in his own zone, and his skating is awful

i see people posting this often, but, i just dont know where its coming from.
not having explosive speed does not equate to being a bad skater, his edge work and lateral movement is excellent, else he couldnt work the PP his speed is NHL average at worst.

everything i've ever read online mentions how good a skater he is, and here is a pre-draft report Sandin's smooth skating could make him stand out in 2018 Draft
do a quick search, and every pre-draft scouting report raved about his skating, and i really doubt it got worse since he was drafted.
He is still too weak in my opinion, but, skating is NOT once of his weaknesses

 

[Duffman955]

i see people posting this often, but, i just dont know where its coming from.
not having explosive speed does not equate to being a bad skater, his edge work and lateral movement is excellent, else he couldnt work the PP his speed is NHL average at worst.

everything i've ever read online mentions how good a skater he is, and here is a pre-draft report Sandin's smooth skating could make him stand out in 2018 Draft
do a quick search, and every pre-draft scouting report raved about his skating, and i really doubt it got worse since he was drafted.
He is still too weak in my opinion, but, skating is NOT once of his weaknesses

His acceleration is piss poor and his top end speed is mediocre. Players blow by him at will due to the combination of weak physically and slow first step.

 

[mydnyte]

If Eichels health was a guarantee than the deal is a no brainer in my opinion. Would be impressed if Dubas had the bravery to make such a move. Could to down as the worst trade in history (if eichel never regains form due to injury) or a very good deal where the team has a 1-2 punch at center like 2005 Penguins.

Eichel would likely slot in on the Wing with Matthews since Tavares is better at the draw and defensively (now) and would retain the #2C spot

 

[Magic Man]

Sandin and Liljegren are 2 rookies.

If you're going to rely on them, you're set up for failure. If they surprise and steal a spot, then good, but I wouldn't just hand them minutes.

Sandin was a train wreck in his own zone, and his skating is awful

I think it's past the point of them "surprising" and "stealing" a spot. If all the regulars are locked up and there are no injuries and you never allow room for advancement then you're not going to develop many hockey players. You could just sign the max allowable FA's every year and leave no room for prospects. That doesn't look or sound like what Dubas has in mind this year. They've been baking them for awhile.

He even moved out Mikko Lehtonen in a playoff push to make room for Sandin's return from injury last season. He later brought in Hutton, but that was to play behind Sandin.

I don't see many redeemable qualities in Ben Hutton, Gudbranson or Demers etc. either. I'd rather let our high upside prospects find their feet because they literally have to at some point and it could pay off in a huge way when they do than let Hutton swim around out there.

If that is an issue. I'd suggest bringing a few vets to camp on a PTO and to give both Sandin/Liljegren and the PTO's high minutes. Instead of blocking the youth by giving them deals now. Bring them to camp and let's see if they can beat out the kids in a 6 game try out.

 

[Dekes For Days]

Well he would be #1C on 3/4 conference finalists this year

He'd actually be the #1C on all four.

 

[Fogelhund]

 

[Antropovsky]

Does Tavares not count as the 2 of a one two punch down the middle? He'd be the #1 on a few teams and the #2 on most.

There is 10 years between Matthews and Tavares. I'm talking about 1-2 for foreseeable future like Malkin and Crosby.

 

[hamzarocks]

He'd actually be the #1C on all four.

Not over Point, Tavares is worse than Point now.

 

[LeafSteel]

Looks like they have 7 defenseman for the Leafs and 8 for the Marlies.

Leafs
Rielly - Brodie
Muzzin - Holl
Sandin - Liljegren
ex. Dermott

Marlies
Dahlstrom - Menell
Kivihalme - Hollowell
Rubins - Biega
ex. Kral - Duszak

All 3 of the bottom 3 NHL defenseman are cheap and can out play their role. There is about 5 defenseman on the Marlies that could see NHL minutes. The idea behind it and it has been echoed by Dubas is that they're going to try not to block Sandin and Liljegren from the NHL this season and he has followed through on that statement thus far. Sandin is in his 4th season post draft and Liljegren his 5th. If they actually need a Ben Hutton type player over Liljegren, they can simply send down Liljegren without risk of waivers and gain his cap space and parlay a late round pick into a similar player at or in advance of the deadline. That way they're not blocking their youth, but first giving them the roster room to play and earn a spot before bringing someone in from the bargain bin.

Biega has actually only seen 4 AHL games in 5 years and has been a primary NHL'er for 6 consecutive seasons. He's been an NHL defenseman and is now taking a step back in Toronto. He'd make a fine #8 and is in the mold many here desire a gritty, defensive minded depth player.

Menell has never really been given a serious look, but if he did get that chance his production indicates that he may have the potential to be able to slide his way into the NHL permanently.

Dahlstrom is essentially another Martin Marincin, but younger and with less NHL experience.

I could see another good veteran AHL contract come in to be a buffer between Kral - Duszak and the young Solar Bear defenders on AHL deals. Maybe, closer to the season when more players are willing to give up on NHL contracts.

The only thing that could throw a wrench into the defense at this point imo is a Rielly move. There hasn't been a resolution there. If he moves, a defenseman will be coming in from somewhere.

great post!

thanks for sharing.

 

[hotpaws]

Not over Point, Tavares is worse than Point now.

yup Points much better and so is Barzal

 

[hamzarocks]

yup Points much better and so is Barzal

Barzal atleast is closer. Though I'd give edge to barzal still. Barzal isn't a great 2 way player like Point and his production until as elite as Point in the playoffs or regular season generally.

 

[hotpaws]

Barzal atleast is closer. Though I'd give edge to barzal still. Barzal isn't a great 2 way player like Point and his production until as elite as Point in the playoffs or regular season generally.

i really like Point but he does benefit from playing with much better linemates than Barzal and in a more offensive system

 

[1specter]

Lmao Tavares is definitely better than Barzal.

 

[hockeynorth]

Lmao Tavares is definitely better than Barzal.

Nah probably not anymore. Idek if he’d be in my top 15 Cs

 

[1specter]

Nah probably not anymore. Idek if he’d be in my top 15 Cs

Tavares has a PPG of .99 over the last 3 seasons compared to Barzal's .81. The goals per game is also not even comparable as Tavares blows Barzal out of the water in goal scoring.

This season Tavares also took a big step defensively and faced very hard competition and finished the season very strong despite having a bad shooting % most of the year. It's a shame he got injured first game of the playoffs because we were robbed of seeing what he could do.